Prostatitis

WHAT YOU SHOULD KNOW:

The prostate gland is a male sex gland. Fluid made by the prostate mixes with sperm (from the testicles) to make semen. Prostatitis (pros-tah-TEYE-tis) is an infection or inflammation of the prostate gland. Men of any age can have prostatitis, and they may get it more than once. Prostatitis may be caused by certain diseases, infections, procedures, or a large prostate gland. Prostatitis is not contagious (not able to be spread) to a sexual partner. Symptoms of prostatitis may include pain, problems urinating, blood in your urine, and fever. Medicine and certain therapies can be used to treat prostatitis. The prostate gland is the size and shape of a walnut. It is found in front of the rectum (area of the intestines that holds your bowel movements). The prostate wraps around the urethra and the neck of the bladder.

AFTER YOU LEAVE:

Medicines:

• Keep a list of your medicines: Keep a written list of the medicines you take, the amounts, and when and why you take them. Bring the list of your medicines or the pill bottles when you see your caregivers. Do not take any medicines, over-the-counter drugs, vitamins, herbs, or food supplements without first talking to caregivers.
  
  
• Take your medicine as directed: Always take your medicine as directed by caregivers. Call your caregiver if you think your medicines are not helping or if you feel you are having side effects. Do not quit taking your medicines until you discuss it with your caregiver.
  
  
• Alpha blockers: This medicine relaxes the muscles in your prostate and bladder (organ that holds your urine). It may help you to urinate more easily.
  
  
• Antibiotics: This medicine is given to fight or prevent an infection caused by bacteria. Always take your antibiotics exactly as ordered by your caregiver. Keep taking this medicine until it is completely gone, even if you feel better. Stopping antibiotics without your caregiver's OK may make the medicine unable to kill all of the germs. Never "save" antibiotics or take leftover antibiotics that were given to you for another illness.
  
  
• Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory medicine: This family of medicine is also called NSAIDs. Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory medicine may help decrease pain and inflammation (swelling). Some NSAIDs may also be used to decrease a high body temperature (fever). This medicine can be bought with or without a doctor's order. This medicine can cause stomach bleeding or kidney problems in certain people. Always read the medicine label and follow the directions on it before using this medicine.
  
  
• Pain medicine: You may be given medicine to take at home to take away or decrease pain. Your caregiver will tell you how much to take and how often to take it. Take the medicine exactly as directed by your caregiver. Do not wait until the pain is too bad before taking your medicine. The medicine may not work as well at controlling your pain if you wait too long to take it. Tell caregivers if the pain medicine does not help, or if your pain comes back too soon.

Ask your caregiver when to return for a follow-up visit. Keep all appointments. Write down any questions you may have. This way you will remember to ask these questions during your next visit.

How should I take care of myself at home?

• Drink 8 to 10 (eight ounce) cups of liquid each day. Follow your caregiver's advice if you are on a fluid limit. Good liquids for most people to drink are water, juices, and milk. Cranberry juice may also help prevent another prostate infection. Limit the amount of caffeine you drink. Caffeine may be found in coffee, tea, and soda.
  
  
• Urinate often.
  
  
• Do not drink alcohol, such as beer, wine, or whiskey, until you have finished treatment for prostatitis.
  
  
• Do not eat spicy foods, such as chili peppers, until you have finished treatment for prostatitis.
  
  
• You may have sex if you feel well. Being sexually active may lower your chances of having prostatitis again.
  
  
• Prostate massage may be used to treat long-term prostatitis. Massaging (rubbing) the prostate may decrease fullness, and prevent infection. Caregivers may teach you how to do a prostate massage.
  
  
• Warm water baths may decrease prostate fullness and discomfort.
  
  
• Men over 40 years old should go to a caregiver for a prostate exam once every year.

CONTACT A CAREGIVER IF:

• You see blood in your urine.
  
  
• You cannot urinate.
  
  
• You have any problems that you think may be caused by the medicine you are taking. Examples of this may be skin redness, swelling, trouble breathing, or an upset stomach.
  
  
• Prostatitis symptoms are getting worse, or they return after you have been treated.

SEEK CARE IMMEDIATELY IF:

• You have a fever (increased body temperature).
  
  

Copyright © 2008 Thomson Healthcare Inc. All rights reserved. Information is for End User's use only and may not be sold, redistributed or otherwise used for commercial purposes.

The above information is an educational aid only. It is not intended as medical advice for individual conditions or treatments. Talk to your doctor, nurse or pharmacist before following any medical regimen to see if it is safe and effective for you.

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